When you get a new dog, it is important to ensure your home is dog-proof. You need to change your environment at home and outside to facilitate the dog’s new home and walks. One way you can do this is by purchasing the best dog harness to stop pulling and other ways are dog proofing your home. In short, he/she needs to be in a safe environment and out of any direct danger. Below are pointers on how to dog-proof your home in different areas of your house.
1. In the Kitchens
Dogs are driven mostly by their noses something about the smell of the trash gets them excited. When they get in the trash, it becomes both messy and hazardous for their health. They can consume something dangerous, get stuck in a plastic bag leading to suffocation. Make sure you are consciously taking some steps to ensure that your dog does not access the trash. You might need to a quick remodelling of your kitchen which is possible even at a shoestring budget.
- Use garbage cans with tight covers in your kitchen. Alternatively, you can invest in a pull-out trash bin. Although they can be costly, they are very effective. This works best if you own an extremely food-motivated dog. For the dogs that are not that food motivated, you can choose to purchase a strong metal trash bin with a step-on lid. If possible, you can also place trashcans inside of cabinets, and lock the cabinets with tamper-proof fasteners.
- Install a safety gate to keeps dogs away while cooking
- Store food in very secure places like closed cupboards, drawers, or pantry to prevent your dog from eating dangerous foods to them. Instead, you can transfer any bagged foods in sealed containers. Even though the food is not dangerous, the wrapper could be.
- Clean up counters because dogs will follow their nose to find any snacks and may search the counters for crumbs
- Cut any plastic bags on both sides so that it does not become a hazard that causes suffocation.
- Keep your kitchen supplies and dish detergents out of the dog’s reach.
2. In the Living Area
There are a few items that can pose danger to dogs in living rooms. For instance, candle, furniture and toys, fireplaces, electric cords, and even house plants
- Cover all heating or air vents in the house
- Make use of a fire screen to place Infront of fireplaces in use
- Put away any breakable items or children’s toys to avoid any choking accidents
- Put any house plants out of reach to avoid any poisoning
- Don’t leave candles unattended as they make be knocked over
- Ensure you move or cover all electric cords to avoid any easy reach
3. Bedrooms
Bedrooms seem to be a safe place for dogs but it can be dangerous also. There are electric cables that are dangerous to dogs, used shopping bags that can lead to suffocation or even small items like hairpins or earrings that may be chewed.
- Cover the electric cords and keep them out of sight and reach. Also, place your chargers away when not using them. Sometimes dogs can’t resist chewing and better safe than sorry
- Keep most upstairs windows closed to avoid any jumping accidents from the upper floors
- Store your jewelry or small items in containers that have covers
- Hang coats or your bags to avoid dogs sniffing and therefore ingesting dangerous items that might be in the pockets or bag
4. Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms
Bathrooms and laundry rooms are full of items that can be toxic to dogs. These include medication, laundry detergents, sharp items like razors, and even electric cords.
- Keep medication, chemical or any supplies in high shelves that dogs cannot reach
- Always leave the toilet lid closed to prevent drowning accidents for small dogs or ingesting of toxic cleaning chemicals
- When not in use, close the doors to washing machines and always check before use especially if it had been left open
- For any trash cans in the bathroom, store them preferably inside a latched cabinet or tightly covered
- Store every laundry supply in containers and the cabinets
- Keep dirty clothes out of reach to avoid chewing accidents and eventually health issues
